Nate's fifth grade class went to the Chabot Space Center for an all-day Challenger mission simulation to Mars. The kids had selected their specific positions a few weeks ahead of time, and Nate selected Navigator because, as he said "I like math and I get to control the ship!" They were given computers, headsets and a mission booklet that helped instruct them along, including the times they encountered sudden asteroid and dust storms. Mid-way through, the mission control kids swapped with the space crew for the return flight home. Adults were assigned the roles of aliens, and could only speak the words of "I don't know, what do you think?" if ever asked a question by the kids.
